Jeeno Thitikul, ranked World No. 2, fired an impressive eight-under par 64 in the first round of the LPGA Mizuho Americas Championship at Liberty National in New Jersey, securing a two-shot lead. The Thai golfer credited a week off after a disappointing tie for 24th at the Chevron Championship, where she struggled with her putting, for allowing her to focus and improve her stroke on the greens.
Her efforts paid off with her lowest round to open a tournament since the 2022 BMW Ladies Championship.
Thitikul’s performance featured hitting 11 of 14 fairways in regulation and 15 of 18 greens, using just 26 putts. She adjusted her mindset after the Chevron Championship, where she had a difficult time on tough greens, and spent time at home practicing her putting.
The 22-year-old also mentioned the favorable weather conditions, as her morning tee time allowed her to avoid the wind, contributing to her strong play.
Chasing Thitikul are France’s Celine Boutier and South Korea’s Choi Hye-jin, who both shot six-under 66. Boutier’s round was highlighted by five consecutive birdies after a bogey on the 15th, while Choi carded six birdies without a bogey.
Meanwhile, Ryu Hae-ran, fresh off a win at the Black Desert Championship, led a group of 10 players at five-under 67. Defending champion and World No. 1 Nelly Korda, who had six birdies and two bogeys, was part of a large group at four-under 68.
ADD A COMMENT :